Public kissing was greatly frowned upon during the uptight Victorian era, when this scene was produced in Thomas Edison's new glass-topped studio in New York City. As a result, the movie was banned in most areas (which of course, only made it more popular). Sadly, the two lovers have come down through history as unknowns, but their behavior is most familiar. In their day, this popular sport was called "sparkin'" if it took place inside (usually in the parlor), or "spoonin'" if committed outdoors in a lonely spot, a "lover's lane", or, as the song goes, "By The Light Of The Silvery Moon."


This movie is part of the collection: Stock Footage

Producer: The Edison Company
Audio/Visual: silent, black and white
Keywords: stock footage; historic; sex; kissing; kiss; lovers; romance

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Reviewer: fmarcoux - - May 1, 2012
Subject: The grand father of porn
It a great clip in general, however, it’s seems to me that movies are on a cycle thrill seeking since the very first day. In those days kissing was perceived has shocking for some people and the public have since been desensitized. This ongoing process will eventually give birth to porn and violence on screen. And again people are becoming desensitized. I afraid about the future will bring next.

Reviewer: The_Emperor_Of_Television - - January 6, 2012
Subject: Public domain - Not Under copyright
I love the wink the guy gives to the camera.

I'm trying to think of something witty to say.

Reviewer: LSLori - - January 4, 2012
Subject: Thomas Edison Copyright
Does anyone know what the copyright on this is like? We're interested in showing this clip & some others by Thomas Edison as part of an ongoing digital art show. Any info would be appreciated!

Reviewer: mysticx0 - - January 30, 2010
Subject: Actors
the womans name may be lost to time but the man is most definitely Fred Ott who was Thomas Edison's friend and assistant. He appeared in other Edison works like the famous Sneeze movie.

Reviewer: Robin_1990 - - February 27, 2008
Subject: Kiss! Kiss! Kiss!
Fun film showing a couple kissing. That might not sound like much, But it's more fun than it sounds. They are obviously enjoying themselves, which is prehaps why this film is so damn good.

Reviewer: pheret - - February 7, 2008
Subject: Kissing
this is just so nice . . . if THAT was banned some of the stuff we have today would make people throw up!

Reviewer: Nicudemus - - April 17, 2007
Subject: A Time Capsule
Sometimes great history can be such a simple thing. Sweet! Worthy of a download!

Segments

From a paper positive held by the Library of Congress, Motion Picture, Broadcasting, and Recorded Sound Division